Molded pulp shooting target

ABSTRACT

A three-dimensional target is provided of molded pulp material that is lightweight, eco-friendly (e.g., of recyclable material), low cost, and that can be used anywhere traditional two-dimensional paper targets are utilized (e.g., in indoor shooting ranges).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/012,215, filed Apr. 19, 2020.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a shooting target for use in indoor and outdoor shooting ranges, and more particularly to a molded pulp shooting target for use in indoor and outdoor shooting ranges.

Related Art

Indoor shooting ranges have operational requirements that prevent the use of existing three-dimensional shooting targets, which are heavy and commonly made of rubber or foam and are mounted on a stand. Also, existing three-dimensional targets are expensive and not designed to be a consumable product. Further, shooting ranges do not allow individuals to walk in front of the firing line. Targets must be suspended from a target retrieval system that advances and retrieves the target, to and from the firing line. Existing three-dimensional targets are too heavy to be suspended from target retrieval systems. Therefore, heavy three-dimensional targets that must sit on a stand are not usable, since users would not be able to walk in front of the firing line to view or replace the target. Additionally, existing heavy three-dimensional targets may not allow for clean pass-through of the projectile, resulting in excessive debris and difficulty identifying shot placement. Additionally, indoor ranges have sensitive and expensive filtration systems, so targets that produce too much debris (e.g., resulting in combustible material on the floor and aerosolized material that prematurely ages the expensive filter systems) are not allowed. Therefore, indoor shooting ranges typically use two-dimensional targets.

However, two-dimensional targets are ineffectual in target practice, particularly for law enforcement and military personnel, as they do not provide adequate training for targeting vital organs, which in real-life are in a three-dimensional space.

From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a three-dimensional target is provided of molded pulp material that is lightweight, eco-friendly (e.g., of recyclable material), low cost, and that can be used anywhere traditional two-dimensional paper targets are utilized (e.g., in indoor shooting ranges).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a three-dimensional molded pulp target is provided that provides a three-dimensional training experience with the benefits of two-dimensional paper targets (e.g., lightweight, can hang from a target retrieval system, allow clean pass through of projectiles).

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a three-dimensional (3D) shooting target is provided. The 3D target optionally has the shape of a human torso. The 3D target is made of pressed pulp (paper) material and can be attached to existing target retrieval systems in indoor shooting ranges (e.g., a rail type retrieval system). For example, the target can be attached to a backer (cardboard brown backer, plastic white backer) held by the target retrieval system or carrier via one or more tabs of the target, which can be taped, clipped, stapled or hung to the backer.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a three-dimensional (3D) target for use in indoor shooting ranges is provided. The 3D target is configured for use with existing target retrieval systems in indoor ranges (e.g., rail type target retrieving system), configured to allow clean pass through of projectiles without breaking up. The 3D target is made of pressed pulp (paper) material and has a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 2 mm. Advantageously, the target is not too thick that it would weigh too much to hang from the target retrieval system. Additionally, the target is not too thin that would rip during use. The target is not too soft that it would tear during use. The target is not too hard that would not allow a clean pass-through of the projectile and break into pieces and crack.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a three-dimensional (3D) target for use in indoor shooting ranges is provided. The 3D target is eco-friendly and made of recyclable material.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a three-dimensional shooting range target.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the target of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the target of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the target of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the target of FIG. 1, the right side view being a mirror image.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the target of FIG. 1 along its longitudinal axis of symmetry.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a three-dimensional shooting range target.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the target of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the target of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the target of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a left side view of the target of FIG. 7, the right side view being a mirror image.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the target of FIG. 7 along its longitudinal axis of symmetry.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a three-dimensional shooting range target.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the target of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the target of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the target of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a left side view of the target of FIG. 13, the right side view being a mirror image.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the target of FIG. 13 along its longitudinal axis of symmetry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

Target Structure

FIGS. 1-6 show a three-dimensional target 100 for use in an indoor or outdoor shooting range. The target 100 is a single body 101 and has the shape of a human head 10 and torso 20, and advantageously provides detailed anatomical features of a human head and torso, which provides an improved training experience. The target 100 can have a front surface 32, a rear surface 34, a length L, width W and depth D. The length L can be between about 50 cm and about 60 cm, such as about 55 cm. The width W can be between about 30 cm and about 40 cm, such as about 35 cm. The depth D can be between about 10 cm and about 20 cm, such as about 12 cm. The target 100 can also have a nominal thickness t (i.e., between the front surface 32 and rear surface 34) of between about 0.8 mm and about 2.5 mm, such as between about 1 mm and about 2 mm, such as about 1.8 mm. This advantageously provides a target 100 that is lightweight, aids in maintaining the integrity, rigidity and strength of the target 100, and uses less material.

The target 100 can also have a mounting tab 40 attached to the top 12 of the head 10. The mounting tab 40 can have an opening 42. As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the opening 42 can be a circular opening. Advantageously, the target 100 is designed to be easily mounted to the target retrieval system of an indoor range (e.g., rail type retrieval system), such as by taping, clipping, stapling or hanging the target 100 on a backer attached to the target retrieval system carrier. In other implementations, the mounting tab 40 is excluded from the target 100. In some implementations, the target 100 can weigh between about 1 oz. and about 16 oz., such as about 7 oz.

FIGS. 7-12 shows a three-dimensional target 100A for use with an indoor or outdoor shooting range. Some of the features of the target 100A are similar to features in the target 100 in FIGS. 1-6. Thus, references numerals used to designate the various components of the target 100 are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the target 100A in FIGS. 7-12, except that an “A” is added to the numerical identifier. Therefore, the structure and description for the various components of the target 100 in FIGS. 1-6 is understood to also apply to the corresponding components of the target 100A in FIGS. 7-12, except as described below.

The target 100A differs from the target 100 in that it additionally includes mounting tabs 44A, 46A attached to shoulder portions 22A, 24A of the torso 20A. The mounting tabs 40A, 44A, 46A can aid in inhibiting (e.g., preventing) the target 100A from detaching or falling from the target retriever it is mounted on in the manner described above for target 100.

FIGS. 13-18 shows a three-dimensional target 100B for use with an indoor or outdoor shooting range. Some of the features of the target 100B are similar to features in the target 100 in FIGS. 1-6. Thus, references numerals used to designate the various components of the target 100 are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the target 100B in FIGS. 13-18. Therefore, the structure and description for the various components of the target 100 in FIGS. 1-6 is understood to also apply to the corresponding components of the target 100 in FIGS. 13-18, except as described below, except that a “B” is added to the numerical identifier.

The target 100B differs from the target 100 in the shape of the opening 42B of the tab 40B. The opening 42B can have a keyhole shape.

Material and Methods of Manufacture

The target 100, 100A, 100B can be made of pressed pulp (e.g., paper), which advantageously makes the target 100, 100A, 100B eco-friendly and is easily recyclable. In some implementations, the pulp can include waste and/or recycled paper pulp material (e.g., recycled newspaper material). In other implementations, the pulp material can be one or more of Bamboo pulp, bagasse pulp, wood pulp, straw pulp, and/or waste paper pulp.

In one implementation, the target 100, 100A, 100B can be made using a dry press molded pulp process. In such a dry press molded pulp process, one or more of the following steps are performed: raw material is pulped, conditioned, molded, dried and finalized. In another implementation, the target 100, 100A, 100B can be made using a wet press molded pulp process. In such a wet press molded pulp process, one or more of the following steps are performed: raw material is pulped, conditioned, molded and trimmed. Advantageously, the mold used to make the target 100, 100A, 100B has a smooth surface finish, allowing the front surface 32, 32A, 32B of the target 100, 100A, 100B to have a smooth finish.

Use

In use, the target 100, 100A, 100B can be hung, stapled, fastened, taped or clipped via the mounting tabs 40, 40A, 44A, 46A, 40B to a target retrieval system carrier(e.g., to a backer attached to the target retrieval system carrier) of an indoor shooting range (e.g., rail type retrieval system). In another implementation, the user can set the target 100, 100A, 100B in a desired location.

Advantageously, the target 100, 100A, 100B provides a vastly improved target for use in indoor shooting ranges. Not only is the target 100, 100A, 100B a 3D target, but is eco-friendly in that is uses recyclable materials, provides a durable and rigid target with a smooth finish, and allows for clean pass through of projectiles without disintegrating, and provides an improved target for training.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. For example, though the features disclosed herein are described in connection with a human torso, the targets can be made in other shapes and the invention is understood to extend to such other shapes. Additionally, though the user of the targets is described in connection with a shooting range, the targets can be used in other applications (e.g., archery, etc.). Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A three-dimensional shooting target comprising: a three-dimensional body defining a volume, the three-dimensional body comprising a molded cellulose material having a front surface and a rear surface; and one or more mounting tabs attached to a first end of the three-dimensional body; wherein the three-dimensional body is shaped in three dimensions to resemble at least a three-dimensional mammalian head and torso.
 2. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, wherein the volume has a depth of at least about 2 cm and a length and a width larger in dimension than the depth.
 3. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting tabs provide a planar area substantially coplanar with a back end of the three-dimensional body that receive one or more fasteners when the three-dimensional shooting target is hung.
 4. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, further comprising one or more second mounting tabs attached to a shoulder portion of the three-dimensional body.
 5. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional body has a thickness between the front surface and the rear surface of between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.
 6. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, wherein the molded cellulose material is planar prior to molding.
 7. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional body has a weight between about 1 oz. and 16 oz.
 8. A three-dimensional shooting target comprising: a three-dimensional body made of a molded cellulose material having a length dimension, a width dimension, and a depth dimension, and a plurality of contours, the plurality of contours extending in the depth dimension, the three-dimensional body shaped to resemble in three dimensions a predefined three-dimensional form; and one or more mounting tabs attached to an end of the three-dimensional body; wherein the plurality of contours delineate target areas that facilitate relative scoring of shots taken at the three-dimensional shooting target.
 9. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 8, wherein the depth dimension is at least about 2 cm and the length dimension and width dimension are larger than the depth dimension.
 10. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 8, wherein the predefined three-dimensional form resembles at least a mammalian head and torso.
 11. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 10, further comprising one or more second mounting tabs attached to a shoulder portion of the three-dimensional body.
 12. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 8, wherein the molded cellulose material is a molded paper pulp material.
 13. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 8, wherein the molded cellulose material comprises a front surface and a rear surface and has a thickness between the front surface and the rear surface of between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.
 14. The three-dimensional shooting target of claim 8, wherein the three-dimensional body has a weight between about 1 oz. and 16 oz.
 15. A method for a three-dimensional shooting target comprising: molding a cellulose material having a front surface and a rear surface into a three-dimensional body by forming one or more three-dimensional contours in the cellulose material, wherein the three-dimensional body resembles in three dimensions a predefined three-dimensional form; forming one or more mounting edges, wherein the one or more mounting edges are attached to an end of the three-dimensional body; wherein the one or more three-dimensional contours delineate target areas that facilitate relative scoring of shots taken at the three-dimensional shooting target and.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the three-dimensional body has a depth of at least about 2 cm and a length and a width larger in dimension than the depth.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving one or more fasteners at the one or more mounting edges to hang the three-dimensional shooting target via the one or more mounting edges.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the predefined three-dimensional form resembles at least a mammalian head and torso.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the three-dimensional body has a thickness between the front surface and the rear surface of between about 1 mm and about 2 mm.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the three-dimensional body has a weight between about 1 oz. and 16 oz. 